EUROPE (Enmaeya News) — A growing wave in tourism across Europe is sparking growing public concern, as major destinations struggle to cope with crowds surpassing pre-pandemic levels. From Italy’s canals to Greece’s islands, residents and local officials are raising alarms about overtourism and calling for more sustainable practices.

Protests have erupted in cities including Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik, where locals are urging governments to regulate visitor numbers and promote “slow tourism.” Demonstrators are pushing for investments in smaller towns, better protection for heritage sites, and community-focused alternatives to mass tourism, according to GlobeTrender.

Italy, Spain, Greece and France are among the countries seeing an unprecedented influx of travelers, Travel and Tour World reported. The surge is straining infrastructure, driving up housing costs, and damaging cultural and natural landmarks. Coastal areas, pedestrian zones and historic city centers are especially under pressure, leading to growing tensions between tourists and residents.

As Euronews notes, sustainable tourism must address not only environmental impacts, but also fair economic distribution, cultural preservation and community empowerment. Proposed measures include limits on overnight stays, dynamic pricing during peak seasons, eco-tourism certifications, support for locally owned businesses and incentives to draw tourists to rural areas.